Trains with exclusive services to get to Machu Picchu

Exclusive trains offer new experiences during the trip to Machu Picchu. These trains have a slightly higher price compared to economy trains, but during the journey, they offer special carriages, live music, and even snacks and drinks. In this blog, we inform you of everything these trains include to set themselves apart from economy travel. You will also find information on schedules and options to plan your trip to Machu Picchu. Discover the new experience of traveling in observation trains with exclusive panoramic views. Let’s get started!

New Experiences to Reach Machu Picchu

Over time, trips to Machu Picchu have improved for the delight of thousands of tourists. In this regard, new experiences were designed, approaching luxury services and much more comfortable than the tourist class.

Regarding trips to Machu Picchu, there are two operators offering very similar train transport services. Also, in both cases, you can find trains that aim to offer better travel experiences.

How do they manage to offer a better travel experience? By offering onboard services already included in the service, better carriages, and seats during the trip. All this with unique designs that many will want to photograph for social media.

Trains with Exclusive Service to Reach Machu Picchu

Currently, we can find 4 train services offering particular experiences during the round trip to Machu Picchu. These services are not as expensive as luxury trips, but fortunately, they are close to the prices of economical trains. In this sense, they are a good alternative for all types of travelers who want new experiences during the journey. Let’s explore these options, which have small variations but also greater exclusivity.

PeruRail Vistadome Train – First Option to Reach Machu Picchu

Vistadome Train Features:

• Train with better comfort and arrangement than PeruRail’s Expedition trains.
• This train has comfortable seats and large windows for panoramic views.
• Windows with UV protection are available.
• All seats in the carriages are assigned to a single tourist.
• The seats are in two parallel rows. Every 4 seats are around a foldable table.
• Thanks to the large windows, you can appreciate nature and the landscapes that will change as we approach Machu Picchu.
• It has a team of professionals dedicated to onboard service.
• Avoid carrying large suitcases. You can transport them, but they tend to be an inconvenience in the long run.

It offers these services:

• You will have complimentary snacks and drinks.
• You can also buy additional snacks if desired.
• There is adequate space for backpacks and other belongings like bags.
• It has daily departures and comfortable schedules that allow beautiful views from the departure in Cusco.
• There are restrooms and water for hygiene inside the carriages.
• This train can depart from different stations. Be attentive when making your reservation.
• The return trains offer a cultural show with dance and a fashion parade of alpaca wool clothing.

The train stations you can depart from are:

• Wanchaq Station in Cusco.
• Ollantaytambo Station.
• Poroy Station.
• Machu Picchu Pueblo Station.
• You can opt for the bimodal service, stopping at Ollantaytambo.
• The travel time from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo is one hour and thirty minutes.

Inca Rail’s The 360 Train to Machu Picchu

Features of The 360 Train:

• It is a special train by Inca Rail for tourists to reach Machu Picchu.
• This Inca Rail train features a comfortable travel carriage and a separate contemplation carriage.
• The 360 carriage offers a space with large windows for beautiful photographs and views.
• It’s called 360 because of the observation carriage, which has two large windows and balconies on both sides of the carriage.
• The travel carriage has comfortable seats and a well-arranged seat layout.
• The windows have UV protection for a safer journey while being in contact with nature.
• The ticket capacity per carriage is limited. This limited capacity ensures passenger comfort.
• The layout places 4 comfortable seats around a table. A total of 52 seats can be found.

You will find all these services:

• Ideal for enjoying beautiful views throughout the journey.
• You will find ambient music and decoration inspired by the Peruvian Andes.
• We will have staff available to assist you and help with any questions you may have.
• Snacks and beverages inspired by Andean flavors will be provided.
• You can place backpacks and bags between the seats for added comfort during the trip.
• It has daily departures and schedules that allow for a comfortable round trip.
• During the trip, you can enjoy the show or representation of part of the Ollantay drama.
• For large suitcases, it is recommended to inform this detail at the time of booking.
• You can travel from Cusco with the bimodal service, which first requires a bus ride to the Ollantaytambo station.
• At Ollantaytambo, you will find the Inca Rail station and waiting room.
• Then you will board the train for the remaining trip to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• You can make reservations for both the outbound and return tickets in a single booking and payment.
• The train ride from Ollantaytambo station to Machu Picchu Pueblo takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• The Inca Rail 360 train has 2 departure times from Ollantaytambo.
• The same number of departure times are available for buses from Cusco.

Tren Vistadome Observatory de PeruRail rumbo a Machu Picchu

Characteristics of the Vistadome Observatory Train:

• Very similar to the Vistadome Train from PeruRail, but it offers an additional service.
• It has two types of carriages, one for conventional travel and another for the observation car with a balcony.
• The travel car and seat numbering have panoramic windows with UV protection.
• Each seat is numbered. The seats are comfortable and arranged in groups of 4 around folding tables.
• During the trip, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, especially when it’s time to visit the observation car.
• It offers onboard service to accommodate passengers and provide services.

Enjoy these onboard services:

• You will have complimentary snacks and drinks.
• You can also purchase cocktails and other beverages.
• There is adequate space for backpacks and other belongings like bags.
• It has daily departures and comfortable schedules that allow for beautiful views from the departure point in Cusco.
• In the PeruRail observation car, you will find live music and live dance performances.
• The observation car is also perfect for a brief dance and enjoying the journey.
• Inside the travel cars, you will find hygienic services, water, and soap.
• Avoid bringing large suitcases. You can transport them, but they can become an inconvenience in the long run.
• This train can depart from different stations. You should be attentive when making your reservation.

  The train stations you can depart from are:

  • Wanchaq Station in Cusco.
  • Ollantaytambo Station.
  • Machu Picchu Pueblo Station.
• You can opt for the bimodal service, stopping at Ollantaytambo.
• The travel time from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The Premium & Lounge Train by Inca Rail, almost a luxury journey to Machu Picchu

Features of the Premium & Lounge Train

• One of Inca Rail’s best trains to reach Machu Picchu.
• It has two carriages to make the travel experience incredible.
• The Premium & Lounge carriage offers a space with large balconies that allow for incredible views.
• The other carriage offers comfortable seats that are also used in luxury services.
• The travel carriage of the Premium & Lounge train has comfortable seats and even tables with just 2 seats.
• Of course, it will also have foldable tables, properly decorated, and 4 comfortable seats around them.
• It is one of the services that is very close to being considered luxury.
• Ideal for appreciating beautiful views throughout the journey.
• It features luxury decoration and really comfortable seats.
• Expert staff for customer service.

Enjoy this onboard service

• Snacks and beverages inspired by Andean flavors are served.
• It does not have daily departures, so it is recommended to make the reservation in advance and have your Machu Picchu entrance ticket to avoid errors.
• Both on the outbound and return trips, you can enjoy the representation of the Ollantay drama.
• For large suitcases, it is recommended to inform this detail when making the reservation.
• You can book the service from Cusco by taking the bimodal trip.
• In Ollantaytambo, you will find the Inca Rail VIP waiting room.
• You can book both the outbound and return tickets in a single reservation and payment.
• The travel time from Ollantaytambo station by train is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The ideal schedules to travel to Machu Picchu on exclusive trains

Here are the best schedules to travel to Machu Picchu on the Vistadome train by PeruRail:

• The schedules mentioned in the table are ideal for making the trip to Machu Picchu in one day.
• A detail to consider is that the schedules do not require waking up early.
• The journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo can take approximately 2 hours.
• These schedules allow you to make the trip and visit Machu Picchu, giving you enough time to have breakfast.
• Remember to book your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, considering the arrival time based on your selection.
• To save time, it is also recommended to take the ecological buses to the archaeological site.
• The ecological buses will reach this point in less than 30 minutes of travel.
• Some of the schedules will allow you to tour Machu Picchu in the afternoon or after lunch.
• There are several restaurants in Machu Picchu Pueblo, offering excellent lunch options with variety.

Here are the best schedules to travel to Machu Picchu on the The 360 Train by Inca Rail:

• We have provided this schedule, which is actually the same for making the trip in just one day.
• The second schedule you may find is the one that could allow you to visit in two days.
• Regarding the first schedule, it is very comfortable to complete, with a convenient time to carry out the activity.
• If you decide to use the bimodal service, you can board the train at the Ollantaytambo train station.
• Tickets for entrance to Machu Picchu should be booked for after 10:00 in the morning.
• If you travel in the afternoon, it is also possible; however, it is recommended to make the trip in the first schedule.
• At the Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo stations, you will find ideal spaces for Inca Rail customers.
• Similarly, it is recommended to board the ecological buses to reach Machu Picchu.
• The ecological buses are not mandatory, as you can walk to the site in 2 hours.
• The travel time on the buses takes less than 30 minutes.

Here are the best schedules to travel to Machu Picchu on the Vistadome Observatory train by PeruRail:

• Ideal schedules to make the trip and tour the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
• The trip can be made from Cusco using the bimodal service.
• The schedule allows you to take the tour with clear skies and the sunrise from Cusco.
• The trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo can take approximately 2 hours.
• At the scheduled time, you can start enjoying beautiful landscapes from the departure of Cusco.
• Regarding the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, you should book tickets for entry starting from 10:00 am onwards.
• It is also recommended to take the ecological buses towards the archaeological site.
• The buses will arrive at this point in less than 30 minutes of travel.
• It is also recommended to take the Circuit 2 tour with a tour guide.

Here are the best schedules to travel to Machu Picchu on the The Premium & Lounge train by Inca Rail:

• This is one of the best services and schedules available.
• This train will allow you to visit the Machu Picchu citadel starting from 14:00 hours.
• Before that, you can enjoy an excellent lunch at the restaurant of your choice.
• You can choose to depart from Cusco to have the full services of Inca Rail at your disposal.
• This schedule also allows you to clearly appreciate all the landscapes along the route to Machu Picchu.
• To reach the wonder of the world as quickly as possible, it is recommended to take the ecological buses.
• The ecological buses depart almost immediately and only take 30 minutes to arrive.
• It is recommended to take the Circuit 2 tour for a better travel experience.

The experience of traveling on the Vistadome train

• Passengers on the Vistadome train often highlight the customer service.
• The attention from the PeruRail staff is praised.
• Thanks to its large windows, you can observe the beautiful landscapes along the route to Machu Picchu.
• It is important to reserve this carriage in advance.
• The seats are extremely comfortable, and the presence of a folding table adds to the comfort.
• Many tourists highlight the natural beauty of the location.

The experience of traveling on the The 360 train

• This train offers new experiences and a special carriage by Inca Rail.
• Among the services of this train, the excellent attention from the Inca Rail staff stands out.
• Thanks to its schedule, you can appreciate beautiful landscapes from the departure of Cusco.
• Also, thanks to the departure times, travelers can leave without the need to wake up early and enjoy a pleasant breakfast.
• Depending on the season, rains may obscure the beautiful landscapes along the route.
• This train features special carriages with comfortable seats and USB plugs for charging phones.
• The 360 carriage is completely panoramic, thanks to its large windows and the balcony available.
• From this location, you can take beautiful photographs and appreciate the landscapes along the route to Machu Picchu.
• The carriage is quite minimalist but offers ample space for tourists, providing a comfortable space for passenger enjoyment.
• During the trips, you can witness the dramatization of the Ollantay drama.
• The seats and their arrangement provide a comfortable experience throughout the journey.
• Inca Rail offers the bimodal service, which, like any bus trip, departs from Cusco, ensuring a complete travel experience.

The experience of traveling on the Vistadome Observatory train

• Experience one of the best travel experiences on the Observatory carriage.
• The travel experience allows you to enjoy one of the best views of the route to Machu Picchu.
• The travel coaches are properly designed to offer comfortable spaces.
• The comfort of the facilities is greatly enhanced as, midway through the journey, some snacks are offered.
• Hot beverages are also offered, where you can choose between coffee and other hot drinks.
• The travel coaches also offer beautiful views of the entire landscape and nature of the area.
• Keep in mind that during the rainy season, you may not see a beautiful landscape, but the possibility of seeing rainbows is also available.
• In the Observatory Carriage, you can enjoy live music, dances, and have fun.
• Additionally, the return trains feature a fashion show with alpaca clothing.
• Traveling on this train offers a completely different experience.

The experience of traveling on the The Premium & Lounge train

• It is one of the most exclusive trains of Inca Rail. From the moment you enter the carriage, you feel an atmosphere of luxury.
• The service from the staff and travel assistants is spectacular. They are always happy to solve doubts in a friendly manner.
• The seats and decorations are very pleasant. The seats are the same as those used in luxury trains.
• As for the views during the trip, they are perfect.
• The best views are obtained when entering the Premium & Lounge carriage, which features exclusive decorations and beautiful balconies.
• There, you can find a bar and live music.
• The live music encourages tourists to sing and others to dance.
• On both the outgoing and return trips on the Premium & Lounge train, you can appreciate the dramatization of the Ollantay drama.
• During the trip, some snacks and beverages are also offered to enhance the travel experience.
• The experience of traveling in Premium & Lounge is ideal for starting to experience and discover new ways of traveling to Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Which of all these trains should I choose?

  The train services are freely available, and anyone can use them. We recommend that the key factors to consider when selecting a train are the schedule and also the reservation time for entry to Machu Picchu. These are important points when choosing a train. On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that the best services will be the Vistadome Observatory train and the Premium & Lounge train.

• 2) Do these trains offer special discounts?

  Yes, most services to Machu Picchu offer special discounts. Most of these discounts are for minors and university students. Sometimes, group or bulk reservations may receive discounts. These are available only in some seasons. Additionally, you may find discounts during the low season.

• 3) Do these trains operate daily?

  The trains with exclusive services have the following departure schedules:

  • Vistadome Train – Daily departures
  • The 360 Train – Daily departures
  • Vistadome Observatory Train – Daily departures
  • Premium & Lounge Train – Monday to Saturday departures

• 4) Are there refunds or cancellations available for these train services?

  Yes, cancellations, changes, and modifications can be made for all four trains mentioned in this blog. However, you will need to submit the request in advance and indicate the changes properly without errors. Please keep in mind that this process involves a penalty fee. We recommend reviewing the terms and conditions and requesting information when making your reservation.

• 5) Are these services available for the return trips?

  Yes, the trains mentioned in this blog are available on both the outbound and return routes. To have a better experience and not miss anything, it is recommended to make a reservation for both routes in a single purchase. This ensures a space and availability on these trains.